Ryan Gosling's latest offering is an ultra violent, slick tour de force. Gosling plays Julian, whose brother (played by British actor Tom Burke) is brutally killed in the early scenes. Kristin Scott Thomas, in a scene stealing performance, plays the mother, fresh from America, entering Thailand and impassioning Gosling to avenge his brothers murder. Directed by Nicholas Winding Refn, who rose to fame with the brilliant Drive, this is a stylish movie - a fight in a navy waistcoat and slim fitting trousers, Thai boxers sparring in a ring, Scott Thomas looking like a clone of Donatella Versace. There is little dialogue - Ryan Gosling says less than 20 lines and spends his time looking cool and moody. The words blood bath suit the level of violence well and there are some scenes which will be difficult to watch. Moody, atmospheric and brooding, this is a welcome change from the Hollywood action films and remakes of recent years.
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